Editor:

I would like to tell you about my friend Bill Jurinich. He is running for a Yates town councilman seat. Bill along with myself are always in attendance at workshops and town board meetings so I can verify what I am telling you as an attendee and taxpayer.

Bill is a conservative. I know a lot of people say that who are going into politics then when they get elected their actions become self-serving and the voting record tells you a completely different story. The voting record does not lie.

Bill is very concerned about the taxes that go up every year and the foolish spending on un-necessary projects and events that have been going on in our town. Bill is concerned about the people in our town. The seniors on fixed incomes, the families that are just scraping by. He and I both know that it’s getting harder and harder to live here anymore and that our town government has grown too big and to controlling over the people of Lyndonville.

He also knows that the town finances are stressed and that legal expenses have emptied the A account once again. The town finances according to the New York State Comptroller are stressed, not something I’m pulling out of the air. Money from the highway budget has been used to fill the town budget to keep it under the 2% tax cap or as it should be called the 2% tax increase.

Bill also knows that our highway equipment is aging and needs replacing, but the current board has put nothing away for years. Had to bond out a new tractor five or so years ago and it is finally paid for this year. The new plow truck that was purchased was paid for by CHIPS money (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program).

That money is supposed to be used for the roads such as paving, oil and stone, ditching, culverts but was used for the truck (not illegal) because of the poor use of taxpayer money, and a failure to budget accordingly every year. Now the road work will take years to catch up. Don’t forget the drastic increase in your water bill.

Bill is running on cutting your taxes, reining in foolish spending and regulations. Bill knows how to use the word they all hate, “No!” (We are Lyndonville not Orchard Park like some would like it to be.) Have you heard anything from the incumbents what their plan is? Have they told you they have a record of lowering your taxes?

Have they told you they have attended all workshops and town board meetings? Have they justified all the money that they have voted on for legal expenses? Have they told you anything about what they have done to make your life better, easier to live here? Bill knows and I know they have said nothing.

They can’t because every tax and fee and regulation increase has happened on their watch. Town of Yates government has grown out of proportion because of their voting record or lack of because they were not there to defend you. Honestly, I do not think they would have voted any different even if they were there.

Bill with all his Conservative Republican qualifications and attendance record has been repeatedly passed over by the Yates Republican Committee. Why?

So, in a nutshell, Bill is Conservative Party endorsed. Bill is a lifelong resident and will be a full-time councilman. Bill Jurinich knows how to budget money. Bill knows how much to take out for each department so when the time come the money is there.

Bill knows that our township needs to live within its means, just like you do. Bill knows that government cannot just keep reaching into your pocket every time it wants to keep up with the “Jones” from other towns with a much larger tax base for pay raises, fees, vendors, junkets and rules.

Bill is a Conservative Republican and is very much needed to bring back the old Lyndonville we love and remember. Lower taxes, business and farmer friendly, Fire Department friendly, People and Property Rights friendly. Lyndonville, just like we used to be. It starts with one good man. Please vote for Bill on Tuesday, June 24th. Don’t sit this one out.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

In light of recent letters and commentary, I feel it’s important to briefly share my perspective as a six-year member of the Shelby Republican Committee.

I joined the committee to serve my community and support a fair and functional process. While I’ve observed dynamics that others have raised concerns about, I’ve never been part of any questionable activity. Alongside two others, I’ve consistently voted in ways I believe are fair and in the best interest of the public – even when those votes are in the minority.

Unfortunately, we’re often outnumbered by individuals with close ties to the Town of Shelby through their roles as current or former officials or employees. That makes meaningful change difficult, but each year, I remain hopeful.

I encourage voters to stay involved. If you want things to be different, showing up to vote is the first step.

Jim Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

I’m writing to endorse Jim Heminway as the next Town of Shelby Supervisor.

I’ve known Jim Heminway since 1989 when I started working with him at Sigma International in Medina. We worked together until he retired from Monroe Electronics/Digital Alert Systems just a few years ago.

Over the years I have not only worked with Jim but have also worked for him. In both scenarios he was always a guy that you could count on to be a straight shooter and a man of his word. If he says he will do something, you can count on it.

Jim has a way of working with a team that creates great results. He holds people accountable for the tasks that have been given. But he is always there to guide and teach along the way, pulling from his vast business and management experience. He is a true leader that gets results.

Jim Heminway would be a huge asset to the Town of Shelby.

Jon Rue

Medina

Editor:

One always knows that it is primary/election season in Orleans County when letters to The Hub become the best funny papers around! It’s gonna take a while to clean my morning coffee off my monitor and out of my keyboard after reading this doozy of a knee slapper:

“I thought being a Conservative or Republican meant core values of truth, honesty, respect.”

Really?

In perpetuity history will record that in 2024 America selected a twice impeached, morally bankrupt and already proven failed President as her leader. The very same ungodly man who indignantly lied about losing an election thereby inciting a riot on the U.S. Capitol; inspiring republicans to vandalize, attack police, steal property (loot), urinate and smear feces upon the desks and offices of our democratically elected leaders.

A reprehensible “Coward in Chief” (allegedly with disqualifying bone spurs)  who “likes soldiers that don’t get captured” implying he does not like those who have been captured and even subsequently tortured during their service to America as he so publicly scorned John McCain.

An implicitly vain, “p**** grabbing” (his words) confirmed sexual assaulter and defamer of women, a self-admitted stalker and sexual predator of young women, a 34-count convicted felon, a half a billion-dollar tax cheat, a Constitution defiling, democracy busting, porn star poking adulterer and blasphemer.  Just for starters.

“Truth”, “honesty”, “respect”?

What a freaking joke.

Oh, and before you start pointing fingers at Democrats (Republicans love to wallow in their “two wrongs make a right” hypocrisy), don’t even waste your time because that dog will never hunt. Republicans had every opportunity to select an ethical, moral, Christian-values candidate during the primary process but instead, you blew it.  Donald Trump makes Bill Clinton and Anthony Weiner look like they belong on jars of Gerber’s Baby Food – Special Angel’s Formula.

Well, at the very least, I suppose all Americans can find solace knowing that according to Republican leadership, Donald Trump possesses the ultimate “big d*** energy” (another republican core value?) needed to Make America Gigantic Again. Although … Stormy Daniels might beg to differ. Didn’t she say it was somewhere between page two and three of the Forbes Magazine she spanked him with during a tryst as Melania was giving birth to their son? I think I heard that on Fox so it must be true.

Finally, a while back an earlier writer stated in this forum that “Democrats need to stop hating Donald Trump.” I do not hate Donald Trump. I voted for Donald Trump in 2016.  Donald Trump is a deeply flawed and corrupt man deserving of my prayers and my pity.

However, for the multitudes of the naturally born daft, selectively uninformed, counterfeit Christian and the willfully ignorant who fallaciously unleashed Trump for a second time against this great nation … well, Jesus is still working with me on that one.

Matthew 7:16 “You shall know them by their fruits.”

(Yep, it’s even in Trump’s personally signed $1,000 “Gold Edition” bibles. Made in China for less than $3.00 each).

“Truth”, “honesty”, “respect.”

Republicans.  Funny, funny stuff.

Tom Graham

Rochester

Graham is a member of Albion High School’s Class of 1978.

Editor:

Clear Skies Above Barre (CSAB) was made aware of an anonymous postcard sent out last week to certain Republican voters in the Town of Barre.

This postcard, sent curiously on the cusp of a Town Republican primary, was libelous & malicious in nature, scathing with untruths, and certainly shows who the divisive side truly is and has been from the beginning (which was 8  years ago, not 10 as the writer indicated).

It seems that the writer would like to anonymously appeal to the Barre Republican voters in an attempt to sway their vote by, once again, using the wind turbine subject.

Our focus is about making voices heard, to make truth known through transparency, as well as be informative on the negative impacts & effects of wind turbines in our natural surroundings and on human beings. We also care deeply about the rights of all citizens.

The truth is, there is much more depth to the project. Our group, made up of very concerned citizens in Barre and beyond, have spent countless voluntary hours researching, studying, talking with professionals, with attorneys, judges, senators and assemblymen.  This project has been rubber stamped by NYS, but has undergone significant changes. As of yet, this project has not been deemed “complete” and curiously, the anonymous writer of the post card voluntarily stated, “…if the turbines are built.”

We as a group care deeply for the rights of all citizens. We have at times been successful at fighting for those rights. For example, one citizen’s residence was going to be within the radius of a turbine placed too closely to their home and outbuilding. After countless hours and appeals to ORES, the proposed placement of the turbine was moved.

Because of the libelous and malicious nature of the postcard, we will address it in length on our website at https://clearskiesabovebarre.com/.

We encourage you to visit our site and to always vote your best conscience.

Gary Palmer

Vice President Clear Skies Above Barre

Barre Center

Editor:

I don’t know if the political establishment is tone deaf or if they actually think people believe the nonsense their figure heads try to speak into existence. Shelby, it is time to drain the swamp, restore trust to Town government, and end this financial nightmare that bobblehead politicians have created for our Town.

Let me be even more pointed since many of you know me as a person who will not shy away from the truth. The current Supervisor and his hand-picked endorsed candidates are trying to run this Town into the ground. We see it in their actions. We see at every Town meeting. We see it with every opportunity they try and sweep problems under the rug.

Our finances are a mess – Fact.

Lawyer fees are astronomical compared to similar Towns like Barre, Ridgeway, Alabama – Fact.

Supervisor Wengewicz has increased our budget spending by nearly 15% since taking office – Fact.

Supervisor Wengewicz’s budgets have no forecasting or historical trends that account for them – Fact.

Supervisor Wengewicz and his majority continues to overcharge residents in water districts – Fact

Mike Moriarty first registered in the Green Party – Fact

Mike Moriarty only changed to Republican weeks before being endorsed – Fact

Mike Moriarty said in a candidate forum that he believes it’s good to raise taxes – Fact

Vassilios Bitsas said in a candidate forum that he wants to limit development – Fact

Vassilios Bitsas went on to explain that our budget needs a long-term plan but had no plan – Fact

Bitsas and Moriarty admitted they had never attended a prior Town meeting at the debate – Fact

Bitsas, Moriarty and Supervisor Wengewicz want to be your new Council majority – Fact

It’s like Mitt Romney took over the Republican Party in this Town. The people of Shelby know the truth. We can read the letters to the editor highlighting the same concerns. Enough is enough, let’s take Shelby back and end this reign of mismanagement and financial catastrophe.

Join me on June 24th and let’s vote for the candidates who actually want to move our Town forward. Drain the swamp, Shelby!

Respectfully,

Ed Zelazny

Shelby

Editor:

The June 9 letter to the editor by George McKenna once again shows how he misleads and does a disservice to everyone.

The reality of developing a town budget involves the entire Town Board. We discuss and question every part of it before we as a Town Board vote on it. Because of a small window of time prior to when we vote is offered by NY State in which we can decide to vote to go over the tax cap, we discuss that option but we haven’t voted for it and kept the budget under. George is also not the only successful business owner on the Town Board either.

Now I’m going to sound like George. When I first took office almost eight years ago, I did not like how the town’s money was sitting in a low interest bank account. We decided at that time to invest in CD’s that provided a higher interest rate.

Later when networking with other Supervisors, I learned about an investment program that we could earn higher interest. I contacted the NY State Comptroller’s Office to make sure we can invest in the program and received a “green light.” I then contacted the area representative for further information to share with the board and ask them to address the board.

After the presentation, we discussed our options and we as a whole voted to invest in the program. George was right about one thing; we do see a greater return on our investment. But George lied, it was I doing my due diligence as the Financial Officer for the Town of Barre that investigated and presented the information to the Town Board so that we could vote on it.

Water District #10 would have been in the ground in 2020 if not for COVID. As we all know the cost of everything doubled including the materials for WD#10. This resulted in a greater yearly expense to the residents of the district. Prior to COVID we had about 90% of the residents in favor of the district. Post COVID that dropped to 30-40% due to the increased cost.

We canvassed the residents and had a public hearing to get their feeling of the situation. Some of the residents believed George was discouraging them from installing the water district. We have been pursuing different and additional funding sources to find a way to lower the cost. We have not stopped trying to cut the costs. Next month we are pursuing another option to lower the cost.

A Comprehensive Plan is to lay out the plan for town development in the future. George, who was the Town Board representative to the Comp Plan Committee, became the self-appointed chairperson who then pushed his private agenda and dwelled upon the past – specifically, Heritage Wind, and not the future of the town.

As an active member of “Clear Skies Above Barre,” George uses every platform to try and cause blockage in a project that has been approved by the state and will be constructed. George’s agenda is to dwell on the past and not look to the future. George stated there was opposition to updating the Comp Plan. Again, he tells an untruth. There was no opposition to updating the plan just his private agenda. Sounds like he was the wrong person to be on the Comp Plan Committee.

George, his wife, Iva, and Scott Burnside, all members of Clear Skies Above Barre, have their own hidden agenda. They all want you to believe that there is still a chance to stop Heritage Wind. If these three get into office and try stopping a state-approved project then there will be lawsuits. Who will pay for all the legal fees and judgments? We, the residents will pay through higher taxes.

George talks about what he believes are harmful issues of having wind turbines and pushes his beliefs onto anyone that will listen as the truth. George uses non-researched, invalid, information from the internet and sells it as the truth. This is a man who, prior to being on the Town Board, stood in the back of the room during a Town Board meeting, holding a strobe light in the faces of the board members and was laughing. This is the man who up until seven years ago, believed in wind turbines.

Yes, the amount of money the town will receive from Heritage Wind will be less per year than originally planned. The payment to the town is based on the maximum number of megawatts that each turbine can produce times a set amount per Mw – not what it does produce.

The original turbines were large and would have a larger cumulative Mw capacity. Through no fault of Heritage Wind, the manufacturer stated that they could provide that model but offered the next smaller model. Smaller model, smaller amount of Mw’s per turbine but still the same agreed amount per Mw. So yes, the town will receive less money per year. A “successful businessman” would realize that issues do arise. I’m sure that he has had issues with his supplies as well.

If George did his homework he would have known that there is a decommissioning agreement in place. There is an insurance bond, made out to the Town of Barre to cover the costs in case they or their successor leave. This bond is to be revisited every five years to re-evaluate the cost of decommissioning and set the new bond amount.

With the two new major energy projects going into the town, there will be a substantial amount of money coming to the town and should be applied towards our town taxes lowering them if not eliminating them for 30 years.

Scott Burnside has written to the state saying he will do whatever he can to stop Heritage Wind. That sounds like a lawsuit to me and increased taxes. If Scott were truly interested in becoming the Supervisor, you would think he would be more involved in the job entails. He rarely even shows up for a board meeting if at all. He has signs around town but how many residents have had a chance to talk to him and hear his platform other than stop Heritage Wind?

George McKenna in his letter was all “I” as if he is the only one on the board. The Town Board consists of five members that work together as a “We.” NY State requires Planning Board members to complete at least four hours of training every year. George was on the board for three years and completed ZERO hours of training.

The state also requires Town Board members to complete at least two hours of training every year. In his 3.5 years on the board he has completed only two hours total his first year in office. Does it look like he takes his job very seriously to do his best for the Town of Barre that he says he trying to “fight for the health and safety of our residents”? A man who tells untruths and spins them to fit his beliefs.

Iva McKenna, the lady that stands on tabletops in a Town Board meeting. Sends text messages to her husband, George, during board meetings coaching him what to say.

These are the same two people that publicly claimed that we shouldn’t have brothers-in-law on the town board. They could influence the outcomes of the board. But guess what? They saw no problem with a father (George) and daughter to be on the board at the same time and now they want husband and wife to be on the board at the same time for the next four years? Sounds like a control of board outcomes to me.

If you want representation on the Town Board that have for years worked on other boards and do complete their training every year. If you want representatives that will listen and respond to your concerns, representatives that will look forward and not backward.

Then the team you want are, as Supervisor, Stephen Coville, for Town Board, David Allen and Wesley Miller.

If you want to go backwards with untruths, hidden agendas, all with a smile and a candy, then vote for the others but be careful what you wish for.

Dr. Sean P. Pogue

Supervisor for Town of Barre

Editor:

My name is Nancy (McHugh) Draper and I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Shelby. As a past Court Clerk of 25 years, having served a few of those years employed by the Town of Shelby Court. Also, many years ago my Dad, Don (Mac) McHugh worked for the Town of Shelby, driving truck, plowing snow, building roads, etc. He worked under Bud Howe and then Vic Caleb.

My past experience, of several years ago, was that the Town of Shelby supervisors and board members worked with the people of the T/Shelby. The records from audits completed by the New York State Comptroller’s office were found to be accurate and in order. They listened to the resident’s concerns.

That does not seem to be the ways things are done in the present. The taxpaying residents are either not allowed to speak or are cut off and/or argued with by the supervisor and/or board members. There are outbursts, arguments and disrespect from those we have elected to these positions. I personally find this very unnerving and inappropriate!

That is one of the many reasons why I will be voting for Jim Heminway for Supervisor for the Town of Shelby. I have known Jim since High School and I feel he would definitely lower the “temperature” at board meetings, listen to any/all concerns of the Town of Shelby residents whether at board meetings or on the street.

I believe Jim would handle any disputes with understanding and respect, for both sides of any issues, and come up with a satisfactory outcome. I believe Jim would work well with all of the town departments. I believe he would be fiscally responsible for the residents of the T/Shelby. I believe Jim has the knowledge and background to be a superb Town of Shelby Supervisor and to me, would be a “breath of fresh air!”

I am confident that Jim knows and will remember that those of us who live within the Village of Medina also pay taxes in the Town of Shelby and that we expect both municipalities to work together on any projects that benefit both the V/Medina and the T/Shelby residents. Why should we continue to pay taxes to both municipalities without receiving any type of benefits from the T/Shelby?

And  FYI, I will also be voting for Eddie Zelazny. Not because I had been Judge Zelazny’s (Eddie’s Dad) court clerk, but because I have known the Zelazny family for years. I know them to be a hardworking, caring family and have known Eddie to be a fine young man who, alongside Jim Heminway, would calmly listen and consider options and do what is best for the Town of Shelby residents.

Nancy Draper

Medina

Editor:

We, the members of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, are writing to voice our opposition to Project Double Reed, a hyperscale data center at the STAMP industrial site in Alabama, NY.

We are a group of neighbors living near Point Breeze, a beautiful, peaceful area where the Oak Orchard River flows into Lake Ontario. As a center for tourism, recreational boating, and world class fishing, our neighborhood is an important contributor to the economic health of Orleans County, generating around $30 million in annual economic activity.

The mission of our group focuses on local issues – efforts to improve and protect our community. Therefore, although a large number of strong arguments against the data center can be and have been made, we will focus only on two with the largest local implications: 1) the data center will increase the risk to the health of the river, a river that is already ecologically impaired, and 2) the data center will likely impose a financial burden on our members.

The river is a fragile ecosystem and is already considered by the NYSDEC to be impaired with phosphorus, a material that is key for the formation of the large, smelly, unsightly algae blooms. The current plan is for STAMP to pump treated sewage (which inevitably contains phosphorus) into a tributary of Oak Orchard Creek at Oakfield, where it will ultimately make its way to our community.

High phosphorus levels can lead to explosive algae blooms, and possibly to the ecological “death” of the river from oxygen depletion. Why is the data center important to this process? The data center is key to completing an electrical substation that will bring hundreds of megawatts of power to STAMP, power that is needed for a full buildout, with many companies and potentially a huge increase in wastewater (high-end estimates of perhaps millions of gallons per day) that is destined for our neighborhood.

What about the economic issues? The data center will consume unfathomably large amounts of electricity. The expectation is that the center will apply for and be granted low cost “hydropower” rates. As many reputable publications have noted, the inevitable result of this infrastructure buildout will be higher rates for ordinary ratepayers and businesses.

A second economic factor involves the astronomically high tax abatements offered to the data center, around $470 million, or about $3.9 million per job created! Less tax paid by the data center will result in an economic burden – either increased taxes or reduced services – for ordinary citizens and businesses. Please note that the corporation benefiting from the low electric rates and the tax abatements – a Fortune 50 company that has a soft commitment with STAMP – is one of the richest on the planet.

We stress that the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association is not anti-growth or anti-jobs. We enthusiastically support local businesses and sensible, smart economic growth initiatives. Our area needs more good jobs. In our view the proposed data center at STAMP is neither sensible nor smart. We do not support its construction.

The Members of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association

Point Breeze

(Submitted by Dave Giacherio, Recording Secretary of OONA)

Editor:

In response to a recent letter I would  like to clarify that the Plug Power project at the STAMP site has been on pause since January 2024 due to financial difficulties and nothing to do with the Inflation Reduction Act  being under attack.

I, as a lifelong Republican, felt it necessary to address this. I would also like to encourage area residents to search out info on how Data Centers require massive amounts of electricity to power servers and cooling systems. Cooling data centers can be water intensive, potentially impacting local water resources.

I believe the age-old rule of supply and demand will factor in here and our electric rates will increase. I would also encourage local residents to search Silicon, a critical component of solar cells and see that it is far from a green energy process from extraction (open mining) and production which involves the use of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource.

It’s my belief that most of these so-called green energy projects are far from it and must be researched prior to accepting what some people might tell you. Back in the day between 1976 and 1992 a consumer advocate show, hosted by David Horowitz, was on TV his closing statement was “Stay aware and informed and don’t let anyone rip you off.”

If someone is telling you how great green energy is remember David Horowitz quote and do research!

Scott Carlton

Medina

Editor:

This is my response to the Shelby Town Supervisor. Plain and simple we had a set date for interviews just like Shelby. Neither you, nor the Republican-endorsed candidates, or your town chairman made an effort to make intent. The Conservative Party-endorsed Republicans made their intent early and came for an interview on the set date.

I am the Chaiman. I do not tell my committee who to vote for. I make it clear to the candidates that they are not guaranteed an endorsement and it’s up to the committee interviewing them not me who gets endorsed.

I also make it known that everyone in the room is elected conservative party committee, and no one is there who does not belong there. I accept whoever they endorse. I make it clear that if a candidate seeks or takes the Working Families Party endorsement, (Communist Party) we will pull their endorsement.

The candidates that came before us were totally qualified. How is that? They attended meetings and workshops for years. They knew what was going on. They had documentation and FOILS to back up their case. They presented themselves as conservatives, not one bit liberal as you accuse, sir. Just like you did when you came and then governed the opposite.

Your town is a mess. It’s not made up. “Nothing to see here” is insulting. These candidates have better things to do than run for public office. It’s being done because they are at ends wit. Are you to blame for all of it? No, but the tactics you are using are out of the Democrat Party playbook, so you have that backwards.

Mr. Supervisor, we endorsed you before. We gave you the benefit of the doubt because you had a great resume but from what has transpired over the last two years, I can guarantee you, had you come again you would not have gotten the endorsement. The Republicans may endorse incompetence and shady tactics, but the Conservative Party does not do that. How can I say these things, well here’s why.

I wasn’t going to publicly bring this up but here’s how it went. After we did our endorsements, about when the petitions were about to circulate, I got a phone call from your town Chairman asking me about interviews. He acknowledged that it was late and was wondering if there was still a chance.

I explained that it was too late and petitions were made up and about to be circulated. He let me know Mr. Heminway was a Democrat that changed parties. I have news for you, most of the Republicans in this county are Democrats (RINO’s) and you can tell by the way they govern and the tactics they use but that’s for another letter.

About another week or so goes by and I get another phone call from your chairman asking me if I can just sign a paper authorizing you and the other candidates that he endorsed, no interviews, no nothing, just put his guys in because “he doesn’t want to have to deal with our endorsed candidates in November in the general election.”

I can tell you the conversation got real tense after that. Can you imagine calling another party’s chairman and asking him to screw over his committee, his candidates and make a complete fool of himself to do him a favor or as I call it tamper with the election.

The total disrespect and delusion of this man that I thought was friend and we had endorsed before having the gall to make such a request. I repeatedly told him during the conversation that I could not believe he could even ask such a thing, I could not believe it.

He blamed you for the phone call Mr. Supervisor and the other candidates. He said you were on him to call me and ask me this. I told him I would never ever do what he was asking to my committee, my candidates and my party, repeatedly. Mr. Supervisor, that is not corrupt? That is not shady? You expect me and others not to believe what is being said about you when a tactic like that was used on me?

Oh, it wasn’t over yet, your town chairman hadn’t finished convincing me he had lost his mind, in my opinion, oh no. The petitions start circulating and I get a call from my Shelby committeeman stating that he had been to a house and the registered conservative would not sign his petition because your town chairman had been there with a conservative and already got a signature for you and the candidates so they could be on the conservative line. Yeah, kind of twilight zone.

He even went to the Board of Elections in which they shut him down completely. Only my secretary and I can authorize the Conservative Party-endorsed candidates, and I would never as I made it clear ever risk my reputation to conspire to rig the election in favor of incompetence and inexperience.

To be clear the Shelby chairman never offered me anything to do that, but it burned his bridges at both ends with me and the Conservative Party and he won’t be welcomed back. Some people should never be entrusted with power because it turns them into monsters. So, there you have it. On June 24th please vote for the Conservative Party-endorsed candidates, James Heminway, Larry Waters and re-elect Ed Zelazny because Shelby deserves better.

Paul Lauricella

Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

President Trump issued the Alien Enemies Act on March 15, 2025. The reason for issuing the Alien Enemies Act, according to the White House proclamation, was an invasion by the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang directed from Venezuelan government. (Note, if we are being invaded by Venezuela why did the Trump administration send troops to Los Angeles?)

The Administration alleges that the gang is engaged in “undermining public safety and supporting the Maduro regime’s goal of destabilizing democratic nations in the Americas, including the United States.”

Mr. Trump’s own intelligence disputes these claims, meaning there is no supporting evidence for the Alien Enemies Act. Mr. Trump is using this act to detain and deport citizens of foreign countries especially citizens from Central and South America or Africa, (except white Africans), without due process, in violation of the Constitution.

The immigration officers used to detain and arrest immigrants use full military tactical gear and facial coverings to hide their identities like a secret police force. The reason given for the masks is to avoid being doxed by bystanders.

But they are operating more like a secret police force of an authoritarian regime. For example, they targeted legal residents Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk for their constitutionally protected free speech in opposition to Israelian action.

Further, despite a court order preventing the deportation of alleged migrants to a prison in El Salvador, they were deported without due process; also, in violation of the Constitution.  Recently, agents have detained and handcuffed officials without a warrant for doing their mandated oversight, in violation of the Constitution.

Contrary to official explanations, video and audio recording show that the officials were not interfering with agents’ official duties. These violation of the Constitution should concern all citizens.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

It appears Washington political tactics have arrived in the Town of Shelby.  The far left liberal agenda of attack, mislead, and accuse has arrived in Shelby.

Never in my life have I seen a Conservative Party chairman endorse a life-long liberal Democrat without even giving the Republican-endorsed candidates an interview, let alone endorse the other two liberal candidates.

I thought being a Conservative or Republican meant core values of truth, honesty, respect.  But as is apparent by the political flyers and Facebook posts, that is not part of their plan.

Mr. Zelazny voted against joining with Orleans County in fighting the advancement of the STAMP plant (resolution 74-23). He also voted 3 times to give a raise to the town clerk who he rents farm land from. He also voted against the Town Code of ethics law holding elected official to high standards. (Why is that?)

Mr. Zelazny refuses to publicly state his family will not allow a mine to open on his family property. Is that because he knows he just needs a board majority to overturn the protective overlay? Mr. Zelazny can make all the false accusations he wants. He can make political video character assassinations against me, it doesn’t matter.

Mr. Waters falsely accused councilman Schiffer of tax evasion. No need for evidence, just make it public and let the news travel. Doesn’t matter if it’s true. No need to apologize, damage is done.

The statements on Mr. Heminway’s political flyers and rhetoric are pure fiction. If you attended the candidate debate, you witnessed everything he said was “Medina”, “Medina”, Medina”.  Not once did he stand up for Shelby.

If you want to know the truth come see me at town hall, or get ahold of me, I’ll answer any questions you have.  I am not going to slander or falsely accuse anyone. Do I want you to vote for the endorsed Republican candidates, yes, but the important thing is to vote on June 24^th. It’s a right many veterans fought for you to have.

Scott Wengewicz

Shelby Town Supervisor

Editor:

Did you see that?

Me neither! The Barre Republican endorsed candidates are not disclosing who is paying for their campaign. This is not transparent and maybe illegal!

“Effective January 1, 2020, all political communication must identify the political committee paying for the advertisement or communication in a clear and prominent manner to read or be spoken as follows: “Paid for by [the name or the political committee making the expenditure].” (EL 14-106(2))

I look at these candidates and wonder “who has funded the postcards, the banners, the yard signs, the ads?”  I noticed candidates are using the same designs as past candidates that were financially conflicted in the Heritage Wind LLC project. So then I checked the Heritage Wind LLC NYS required Code of Conduct disclosure list and voila! I find that Steve Coville is listed as a conflicted member. He has an easement and setback waiver for his property being paid up to $5,000 annually. And so here we are left to wonder, who is actually paying for this campaign?

Before you vote in this primary please ask yourself:

• Who is paying for their campaigns?
• Are these candidates transparent about who they are representing?
• Do these candidates understand the laws? Will they try their hardest to abide by them?

The other side of this primary – three individuals whose transparency is the most important aspect they are running on. Who spend countless hours, their own money and time to find out what Barre residents actually think, and strive to protect everyone.

They recognize that the turbine project has been approved at the state level, yet they know the project has continued to change (drastically) after the approval, and in order to protect the residents of our community they need to stay aware and vigilant. This race is not just about industrial wind turbines. This race is about the future of Barre, water districts, future projects and our community.

• Remember a few years ago when two candidates sent out personal letters, paid for by themselves with a stamped return envelope included (for ease of return) to all residents of Barre so that their thoughts and opinions on Industrial Wind in our community could be voiced? An overwhelming majority did not want the wind ordinance to be changed in favor of taller wind turbines (87%!) and had big concerns about the project overall. The Town Board at the time thought they knew best so they did not take the time and energy to find out. Iva and George did – dedicating time and money for their community! Truth first!
• Post-Covid Water District 10 costs came back significantly higher than when the resident signatures were obtained. George said, “I am all for this but only if the residents still want it at the higher cost.” So what did George do? He went to every home in Water District 10 and asked them if they still wanted it with the higher numbers. The truth was they did not even know about the financial increase. The Majority of them said that they would not be able to afford the significantly higher annual amount that they would have to pay. George put the residents first!
• He fought for your right to vote (combat war veteran). He has been serving our community on the Comprehensive Plan Committee and is dedicated to serving the Town of Barre. Scott Burnside believes in doing what is right and truly cares about our Barre!

Please vote Scott Burnside Supervisor, George McKenna and Iva McKenna Councilman; they have given of their own money, and paid for their own campaign. They research and ask questions to make sure that they do things the right way.

I am proud of all that they have given, and continue to give, to our community. They genuinely care about you, and want to help move Barre in a positive manner.

Be sure to vote on June 24th for our future!

Thank you,

Kerri Richardson

Barre

Editor:

Being a first time person heading up the food for the Strawberry Festival, I would really like to thank the following people: Aric Albright, Kyle Piccirilli, Will Malone, Kevin Kelly, Jay Pahura, Scott Bradshaw, Vance VanSkiver, Shaun Stephens, Ron Ricker, Steve Borowczyk, Rob Lightning, Charlie Ricci, Don James, Shawn Diebel, Pete Mathew and Jon Rissinger.

If it was not for all these hard working people I would not have had everything I need to get the job done. I really don’t think the community knows what these great people do behind the scenes from the electric to the garbage cans, closing down roads, putting picnic tables up, cleaning the streets and making sure everything is taking down and village is back to normal.

They also gave their cell phone numbers and said whatever you need, call.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much.

Thanks.

Jeff Holler

Albion